Keeping Your Pets Safe in the Winter Temps
When the cold weather comes, you’re tempted to curl up on the couch or in bed with a glass of tea or cocoa. Sometimes, your pet wants to join you, but they’ll likely also want to go outside just as much as they do during the summer. Whether they spend time inside or outside, pets need to stay healthy and safe from the specific concerns of winter. Keep them warm and well this chilly season – and all year round – with pet essentials from Tractor Supply, and learn how you can prepare for the cold weather months.
How Cold Is Too Cold to Be Outside?
Just because dogs and cats have fur doesn’t mean they’re fine outside in the cold for longer durations. Although some breeds are built for the winter with longer, thicker coats, this isn’t the only factor that affects their ability to withstand the cold – their age, body fat percentage, activity level and overall wellness also play a role.
Once the temperature drops below 35°F for dogs and 45°F for cats, you want to limit their time spent outside. As soon as the temp goes below freezing (32°F), avoid letting them outside at all. Taking dogs out to relieve themselves is essential no matter the weather, but you may need to limit outside time to quick walks only, and playtime should wait until a warmer part of the day. It’s situations like these when having potty pads and cleaning supplies comes in handy, as accidents can always happen.
Look Out for Frostbite and Hypothermia
The most common concerns when pets get too cold are them experiencing frostbite and hypothermia. If your dog or cat displays any of the following symptoms after being out in the cold, take them to the vet as soon as possible:
- Constant shivering and appears weak
- Whining or anxious behavior
- Movement is slower than normal or stops altogether
- Ice has formed on their bodies
- Burrow on the couch or in their beds to get warm
When hypothermia begins, pets typically shiver and their face and ears feel cold, but as it progresses, your dog may seem weaker, more tired and depressed. Without prompt treatment, their muscles can stiffen, and their heart rate and breathing can slow down.
You might not see signs of frostbite until several days later, with affected areas of the skin appearing swollen with a pale, bluish or gray color and feeling hard and cold to the touch. When you apply gentle pressure, your dog might yelp in pain due to the warmth. In time, frostbitten skin turns black, the dead tissue might fall off and an infection can develop in its place.
The vet can determine the extent of hypothermia or frostbite and provide pain medications and antibiotics and recommendations to protect your pet against further instances.
Keeping Warm During Playtime Outside
Cold weather doesn’t mean daily walks around the block and time outside have to go away until spring. You just need to be more aware of the potential effects of low temps, dress for the weather and pay attention to how you and your pup are feeling. If you can, try to take them outside when the sun is shining to provide some warmth even on colder days.
Dog sweaters, coats and jackets with warming and insulated properties protect them when temps drop significantly, and you may use dog jackets and sweaters on short-haired pets indoors for their comfort when the thermostat is turned down. And don’t forget about cozy cat clothing – your feline may want to be bundled up alongside you and/or your pups.
Paw protection also matters, as feet are more susceptible to frostbite than other areas, plus rock salt can irritate paws. Rock salt isn’t the same as table salt, but pets might still be tempted to lick, and the ingredients may be harmful. The same problem can happen with anti-freeze, so clean up any residue after applying it. Water-resistant booties help keep paws safe – not to mention how adorable they look on your pup trotting around.
After a fun time playing outside, it’s time for them come back in – but before they go running for their bowl or bed, make sure to properly transition them from outdoor play to indoor lounging. Keep towels by the door to dry them off, especially the paws as you can also rub them to stimulate circulation.
You travel with them even in the middle of winter, but just like during the summer, it’s not advised to leave them in the car. If you must temporarily, get a pet travel bed and blankets to bundle them up until you’re ready to go.
Staying Comfy and Cozy Inside
You can feel the chill from outside when inside your home, so you can bet your furry companions do, too. As the winter season approaches, consider swapping out their regular bed for heated beds and pads so they stay toasty throughout the day and night.
You might have a fireplace or use portable heaters in different areas of your home, and pets may cuddle up close to stay warm. Although it’s no problem that they get comfortable near these heat sources, be careful they don’t overheat or chew on the wiring. That’s another reason heated beds are a great idea, as they provide a designated, pet-friendly spot for them to get comfy and avoid the risk of overheating.
Life Out Here means some cats and dogs spend most of their time outside. We help them stay warm with a wide range of cat and dog houses, including heated, insulated and weather-resistant options. Even if it doesn’t feature heating technology, we offer heaters and other accessories to incorporate into an existing cat or dog house.
For pets that must stay outside, make sure to change their bedding regularly and fluff it up to help it retain heat better. Opt for plastic dog food and water bowls over metal, as metal can freeze, and their tongues could get stuck.
Moisturize Dry Skin for Greater Comfort
Although their sleeping places should be dry and away from drafts blow in cold air, ensure they don’t get too dry. Dry skin isn’t only uncomfortable for a dog or cat, but it might also cause them to scratch or lick excessively, potentially leading to more irritation, wounds and infection. Humidifiers can keep your home at a comfortable temperature and humidity level – not just for pets but people, too.
You might regularly take your pet to get groomed, but you should consider making fewer appointments during the winter. At the same time, stay on top of brushing to undo any knots or matting and keep coats clean. What’s more, brushing helps stimulate circulation to increase internal warmth. Although you should continue brushing them regularly, consider scaling back on baths, as fewer baths can reduce the likelihood of hypothermia of frostbite since you won’t risk them being wet or damp in the cold air.
Just as your lips might get more chapped during the colder months, a pet’s nose often gets chapped or cracked during the winter, making moisturizing balms a necessity. In addition to relieving discomfort from dry skin, balms provide an extra layer of protection against outside conditions. Discover many types of pet lotions, creams and paw balms in our selection to prevent dryness all season long.
Give Their Health a Boost with Supplements
Possibly due to atmospheric pressure that affects the joints, pets often experience more joint stiffness when it’s cold outside. You can help support joint health with the
vitamins and supplements for cats and dogs, which may feature key ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin to boost joint function and mobility. Supplements that enhance skin and coat health, such as those containing omega-3 fatty acids, can prevent dry, itchy skin and help pets adjust better to changing outdoor conditions.
Continue with Flea and Tick Control All Season
It might seem that the winter weather is too cold for fleas and ticks. While the colder months may provide temporary relief from these pests in some regions, others don’t reach cold enough temps to reduce this risk significantly. Even in those states used to cold, snowy weather in the winter, it can take a few weeks or even months before flea and tick concerns go away until next year.
So, pet parents continue to be proactive with flea and tick control for dogs and cats, plus watch out for other pests. The best way to defend furry friends is to keep up with monthly routines so they stay safe all year long.
Ensure a Comfortable and Safe Winter for Your Pets with Tractor Supply
It’s easy to get busy when the leaves fall and the holiday season is on the horizon, but don’t forget about your pet’s well-being during the winter. Bundle them in cute dog coats and booties for walks, keep them toasty with heated beds and other accessories inside and stay on top of grooming needs so their skin is smooth and moisturized. We carry the dog and cat products you need to accomplish all this and more. Visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse our selection online.